Musée en herbe

About the museum

The Musée en Herbe was founded on April 1, 1975 by Sylvie Girardet, Claire Merleau-Ponty and Anne Tardy. It was originally located in the Jardin d’acclimatation in Paris. It presents itself as a pioneer of cultural mediation for young audiences, with the idea that art can be discovered through play and humour.

Since 2016 the museum has occupied a site at 23 rue de l'Arbre-Sec in the 1st arrondissement. It offers about 300 m² spread over four exhibition rooms, as well as a 40 m² art workshop in the basement.

The museum is run by an association under the French law of 1901 that is recognised as being in the public interest. The City of Paris supports it with a grant, and private partners add to its funding. It has no permanent collection: it organises participatory temporary exhibitions for visitors aged 3 to 103, devoted to artists, art movements or popular culture themes.

Each exhibition is accompanied by observation games, a visit booklet for children and art-practice workshops.

Highlights

• Participatory exhibitions designed for children and their families
• Animated tours and treasure hunts for ages 3 to 12
• Baby workshops and art workshops from age two and a half
• Birthday afternoons with a workshop
• Tourisme & Handicap label

Founded

1975

Operated by

Association Musée en Herbe (loi 1901, reconnue d'utilité publique), soutenue par la Ville de Paris

Director

Sylvie Girardet (directrice artistique)

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free, with proof, for holders of the Pass éducation, press members, and holders of the ICOM card or a tour guide card. Students with the Pass Navigo Imagine R receive one free entry for each one purchased.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The four exhibition rooms are reached by about ten steps or by a lift, as is the basement workshop. Two accessible toilets on the first floor and in the basement. Induction loops at reception, magnifying binoculars on request, large-print booklets and folding stick seats. Mediators can adapt tours and workshops on request. The museum holds the Tourisme & Handicap label.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum is designed for children from age 3, with workshops from age 2½. Strollers are not allowed in the exhibition for safety reasons; baby carriers are lent on site. Birthday afternoons with a workshop for ages 3 to 11.

Getting there & parking

Taxis and adapted vehicles can drop off and collect visitors in front of the entrance. Of the Châtelet stations, only line 14 is wheelchair accessible; a removable ramp is available at the RER on request from the ticket desk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with bookshop and online shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 150 guests.

Around 300 m² of exhibition space and a 40 m² workshop, from 10:00 to midnight. Up to 150 people standing or 30 seated. Equipped kitchen and furniture provided; reception and security staff and the organiser’s insurance must be arranged. Press conferences, product launches, seminars, cocktail receptions and private evenings.

Plan your visit